Time Management Software and Your Routines
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Some of the links below are affiliate links meaning that at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you purchase something using the link. Read the full disclaimer policy here.
Trying to establish a routine but time keeps getting away from you?
There are several time management software packages available to help people structure their routines. If you’re struggling to keep up with the growing demands in your life, try a software program to help.
The Basics: Managing Your Schedule
The program can be as simple as alerting you when a certain task needs to start or when one is due. Most email packages will let you do this. If that is not available in your email package, you can find free scheduling or calendar packages online. If all else fails, Google has a calendar package that you can use for this.
More Advanced: Time Management Software
If you want to increase your productivity, you may want to consider a more robust solution than a calendar program or a calendar function from your email provider. Time management software can be valuable in this case. This category of programs track your activity down to the minute, and even to the second. Many let you set up your tasks ahead of time. The timeslots you allocate will infer the amount of time you estimated for each task. When you complete a task, you mark it as complete in the program.
These time management programs will give you reports as to how good your estimations were. They will also alert you when you didn’t complete the task in the time allotted. This information can help you refine your estimates for future schedules.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Some people freak out with sophisticated programs and find they can’t use them. They feel the programs track at too granular a level. They also feel that company managers could use these programs against them if they don’t get their work completed in the expected timeframe. This issue is especially stressful if the managers are the ones setting the estimates. These people feel that simple to-do lists for their daily tasks are enough.
Use the Program Properly for Best Results
If you decide to use a time management program, you need to make sure you update it when you complete the tasks. However, that is something that takes a bit of time to get used to. You also need to account for activities that pop up that you didn’t allow for and weren’t on your schedule. The better packages will be able to cope with those problems.
Check online for
Consider the price against your budget, and try to find software that allows you to try before you buy.
Loving Life–The Reboot!
Dominique
17 Comments
shikaardeta
Great post! I’m definitely going to try these time management softwares and see if it helps me. I’m always looking for things that make my time more efficient.
Ola @ WanderWithOla
What an interesting post. I usually use Google Calendar to help me manage my time. This app comes pretty handy, but I’d love to see what the other apps have to offer as well. ~ Ola @ WanderWithOla
Molly @ Love the Everyday
Oh man, I need these in my life. I am the queen of procrastination, but my budget isn’t able to afford a program like these yet. Soon I hope!
Hang Around The World - Paolo
I don’t think I need a program like this but in life never say never, so I will give it a look. It might be good, who know? Thanks for your tips!
Monidipa
Very important and effectively written. Yes, I completely agree that schedule management is extremely important and using it properly is required else we will keep on having complaints.
Reika Misaki
Oh, this seems like someone I would really use. Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca Smith
Thank you for suggesting some good time management software, I’ve been looking for some that best suits my needs.
Lynda Hogan
I am a bit old fashioned – I use a hand written journal and notes system!! Haha. But I have been thinking of taking it online, definitely going to check these out. Thanks for posting about them.
Jelena
Uh, I need any of those apps. Every day I wrote what I need to do, but often I just spend to much time on some tasks, and I don`t have time for some others. Maybe Time Management app will help me.
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen
I haven’t tried using a time management software. But I think it would be nice to give it a try.
May
Very cool, I’ve never used a time management system before. Can you highlight some of your favorite ones and talk about the pros/cons? Are there any free ones that are good to start off with? What are the paid ones that are good and what makes them worth paying for? Would love to see your recommendations because I manage A LOT at once and would love to learn how to better manage my priorities/time.
May from http://www.lavieenmay.com
Anagha
So far, I only use notes everywhere to manage my time. I haven’t used any app yet. Maybe I will give it a try now.
maysz
Managing schedule is very important to accomplish things easier to live a better life 🙂 I agree with this post!
Sarah Meh
I haven’t heard about time management software. This seems quite useful to have. Thanks for providing the information.
Casey
This sounds a great schedule management system, this could be perfect for my messy life.
Ann
Very interesting post! Time management is crucial nowadays, especially when you are suposed to be available 24/7. I’ve been using Trello for the last year and I the app is fantastic!
blair villanueva
I think I have a PhD in procrastinating 🙂
I will consider your recommendation and hope to improve my lifestyle.